Phosphoric Acid-Mediated Depolymerization and Decrystallization of α-Cellulose Obtained from Corn Cob: Preparation of Low Crystallinity Cellulose and Some Physicochemical Properties

F.O. Ohwoavworhua* and T.A. Adelakun 

Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Raw Materials Development (PT&RMD), National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development, (NIPRD), P.M.B. 21, Abuja, Nigeria

 

Tropical Journal of Pharmaceutical Research 2005; 4(2): 509-516

ISSN: 1596-5996

 

Abstract

Purpose: Low crystallinity celluloses (LCC) are materials that have a substantially reduced degree of crystallinity, typically ranging between 15 and 45%. It is useful as an excipient in preparation of tablets and confectionery products. The aim of this work was to obtain from α-cellulose content of corn cob, a low crystallinity cellulose (LCC-CC), and study its physical properties as well as evaluation of its potential as tablet excipient.

Methods: α- cellulose (AC-CC) obtained from corn cob by a delignification process, was depolymerized with 85% phosphoric acid to yield LCC-CC product, whose physical properties were compared with those of AC-CC.

Results: The yield of AC-CC and LCC-CC were 14 and 11 %, respectively. The physical properties indicated a good level of purity of the cellulose materials as they conform to British Pharmacopoeia specifications. The flow indices, however, showed that these materials flowed poorly.

Conclusion: It was concluded that LCC-CC is a potential disintegrant and filler-diluent, in pharmaceutical tableting.

Keywords: Low crystallinity cellulose, α-cellulose, physical properties, corn cob.

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